The World Class Leaders Show: The CEO leadership podcast for leaders who solve big problems and build better futures.

Andrea Petrone

If you’re a CEO or senior executive, your challenges don’t sound like “I need more leadership tips.” They sound more like: “Why am I still carrying this company on my shoulders?” “Why doesn’t my top team own the strategy the way I do?” “How do I challenge the board or investors without blowing up the relationship?” “How do we build a company that still matters in 10 years, not just hit this year’s numbers?” The World-Class Leaders Show is the CEO leadership podcast built for those questions. Hosted by Andrea Petrone – A Global Influencer, CEO Whisperer, WIley Author, Executive Coach and Speaker – the show goes deep into what it really takes to lead at the top: using power well, doing the identity work of leadership, and making the big decisions that shape the future of your company. Each episode brings real CEO stories and the best business thinkers in the world to the table. You’ll hear how sitting and former CEOs, chairs, and C-suite leaders tackle the biggest business problems of our time – growth, culture, strategy execution, transformation, technology, risk, and talent – and how they stay true to who they are while doing it. You’ll use this podcast to: Get your executive team truly aligned, so you stop re-fighting the same battles in every meeting. Turn strategy into a small set of clear priorities and behaviours your people actually execute. Hold your ground with boards, investors, regulators, and powerful internal stakeholders – and still move the agenda forward. Use your voice and position with more clarity and impact, so people know what you stand for and where the company is going. Find fresh inspiration and language to build a better future for your organization, your people, and the markets you serve – without losing yourself in the role. Featuring leaders from Fortune companies and some of the best thinkers in the world (like Amy Edmondson, Adam Bryant, James Keyes), the show is known for its richness, depth, and straight talk. Ranked in the top 5% of podcasts globally, it’s followed by thousands of CEOs and senior executives who want more than recycled ideas and surface-level conversations. If you care about solving real business problems, shaping the future, and doing the inner work required to lead at the very top, this podcast is for you. Subscribe to The World-Class Leaders Show and upgrade both your leadership – and the future you’re building. For ongoing CEO insights and behind-the-scenes context from each episode, follow Andrea Petrone on LinkedIn.

  1. 5D AGO

    229 - Why Half of New CEOs Fail in the First 18 Months

    We’re opening doors to WCL21. The first private and exclusive community for CEOs who want to grow their leadership, pressure-test decisions, and create meaningful connections with other peers in a trusted environment. 👉 Request your invitation: https://andreapetrone.com/wcl21  __________________________________________ Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” 👉 Download - https://bit.ly/10-fool-proof-ceo-strategies  __________________________________________ Stepping into the CEO role is not simply a change in responsibilities. It is a profound psychological transition. Research shows that a significant portion of new CEOs struggle within their first 18 months, not because they lack the capabilities required for the role, but because they remain anchored to the expertise that earned them the promotion in the first place. The instinct to remain deeply involved in a familiar function can feel productive, yet it quietly prevents leaders from fully occupying the broader integrative responsibilities of the CEO role. In this solo episode, I'll explore one of the most common traps in leadership transitions: the tendency for new CEOs to retreat into their former expert identity rather than stepping into the architect role the position requires. He outlines three leadership shifts that define successful CEO transitions — moving from doing to deciding, from performing to architecting, and from concentrating authority to distributing it across the leadership team.   - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/ - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 155,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

    15 min
  2. FEB 26

    228 - She quit her CFO job for this! This Female Executive Made a Bold Career Move | Cameron Drinkwater

    We’re opening doors to WCL21. The first private and exclusive community for CEOs who want to grow their leadership, pressure-test decisions, and create meaningful connections with other peers in a trusted environment.   👉 Request your invitation: https://andreapetrone.com/wcl21  Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” 👉 Download - https://bit.ly/10-fool-proof-ceo-strategies  __________________________________________   In this episode of The World Class Leaders Show, host Andrea Petrone speaks with Cameron Drinkwater, Chief Product & Operations Officer, S&P Dow Jones Indices at S&P Global. Cameron shares insights from her journey across finance, strategy, and product leadership, and how she built a career by taking smart risks and embracing change. She explains how her leadership is shaped by adaptability, authenticity, and a strong commitment to culture, learning, and development. Cameron also discusses the importance of psychological safety, leading large teams, and balancing career growth with raising a young family. Cameron shares how leaders can grow their careers by taking bold but smart moves, focusing on roles that build new skills and bring real joy. She explains how her success comes from a clear career strategy, strong personal values, and the ability to adapt to new challenges. Cameron talks about building trust as a young leader, leading large teams through change, and creating a culture that supports learning and innovation. She also highlights the role of coaching, feedback, and setting clear boundaries to stay healthy and balanced. Throughout the conversation, she gives honest advice and real-life tips for leading with impact and purpose. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: - How to grow your career by making bold but smart job moves. - Why personal values and clear goals help guide better decisions. - Ways to lead with impact even without being a subject expert. - How to build a strong culture that supports learning and risk-taking. - Tips for balancing leadership, family life, and personal well-being.   Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser and introduction of Cameron Drinkwater [03:04] - The career mindset behind bold job transitions [05:06] - Learning to adapt and lead through personal strengths [08:31] - From finance to product and operations: why Cameron made the shift [14:00] - Leading 500 people and driving impact through indexing [16:31] - Building a high-performance culture with learning and mobility [23:20] - Taking smart risks and shaping leadership identity [25:13] - The value of coaching and becoming a stronger leader [27:04] - Leading with clarity, consistency, and team recognition [31:41] - Balancing career growth with family and personal boundaries [39:30] - Lessons from sport: mindset, focus, and leadership routines Follow Our Guest Cameron Drinkwater: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-drinkwater/  - S&P Dow Jones Indices: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/s&p-dow-jones-indices/   Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone - Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapetrone_x/ Follow The World Class Leaders Show and Stay updated: - Subscribe to The World Class Leader Show: https://shorturl.at/E9WE7 - Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6 - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-world-class-leaders-show/ - Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com/podcast/ - Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl - Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ ⭐If you are leading teams or navigating career growth, this conversation with Cameron Drinkwater offers real advice on taking smart risks, leading with authenticity, and building a strong culture that supports both people and performance.

    46 min
  3. FEB 19

    227 - The 3-Word Lie That's Costing Every CEO Millions

    We’re opening doors to WCL21. The first private and exclusive community for CEOs who want to grow their leadership, pressure-test decisions, and create meaningful connections with other peers in a trusted environment. 👉 Request your invitation: https://andreapetrone.com/wcl21  __________________________________________ Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” 👉 Download - https://bit.ly/10-fool-proof-ceo-strategies  __________________________________________ In Episode 227, Andrea examines the hidden financial cost of performed certainty inside executive leadership. When CEOs default to projecting confidence instead of naming uncertainty, they unintentionally compress organisational intelligence upward — creating decision bottlenecks and suppressing early risk signals. This episode introduces a four-part framework for maintaining authority while increasing transparency. The core argument is simple but uncomfortable: the leader’s relationship with truth determines the organisation’s capacity to think. When certainty becomes theatre, silence becomes culture. And silence is where strategic errors compound.   - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/ - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 155,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

    17 min
  4. FEB 12

    226 - Rethinking Your AI Strategy: What Josh Bersin Knows Most CEOs Don’t

    We’re opening doors to WCL21. The first private and exclusive community for CEOs who want to grow their leadership, pressure-test decisions, and create meaningful connections with other peers in a trusted environment. 👉 Request your invitation: https://andreapetrone.com/wcl21  Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” 👉 Download - https://bit.ly/10-fool-proof-ceo-strategies  __________________________________________   In this episode of The World Class Leaders Show, host Andrea Petrone is joined by Josh Bersin, Founder and CEO of The Josh Bersin Company, Founder and Dean of Galileo by the Josh Bersin Company, and Board Member of University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business, a globally recognized expert on HR and the future of work. Josh shares his insights on the transformative role of AI in business. He discusses how AI can break down organizational silos, improve productivity, and drive innovation. Josh explains why CEOs must rethink business models to integrate AI across functions and how AI can reshape leadership, talent development, and decision-making for long-term success.   Josh shares how leaders can leverage AI to transform their businesses by breaking down silos and creating more integrated workflows. He explains why many companies focus on AI as a tool for individual tasks, missing the opportunity to use it for rethinking entire business models. Josh introduces his vision for AI as a "super agent" that can drive efficiency across various functions like marketing, sales, and HR. He also discusses how AI can enhance leadership, talent development, and decision-making, and offers clear examples and practical steps for companies to adopt AI successfully and drive long-term growth. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: -How AI can break down organizational silos and create more integrated workflows. -Why CEOs need to rethink their business models to fully leverage AI. -The potential of AI to drive innovation and reshape leadership practices. -How AI can improve talent development and decision-making across functions. -Practical steps companies can take to successfully implement AI for long-term growth.     📢 Explore Galileo - Access world-class HR and Management Consulting at an incredible value with Josh Bersin's AI-powered platform. 👉 Visit: https://getgalileo.ai/ Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser and introduction of Josh Bersin [02:16] - The current state of AI and its transformative potential [07:40] - Reengineering business models with AI for long-term growth [09:52] - Overcoming organizational silos with AI integration [14:17] - Galileo: The future of AI-powered advisory and research [19:55] - How AI can help CEOs rethink company culture and innovation [24:42] - Practical steps for CEOs to leverage AI for success [32:22] - Building a super manager mindset in an AI-driven company Follow Our Guest Josh Bersin: -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bersin/  -Website: https://joshbersin.com/  -The Josh Bersin Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/joshbersin/  -Galileo by the Josh Bersin Company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/galileo-by-josh-bersin-company/  -University of California, Berkeley, Haas School of Business: https://www.linkedin.com/school/berkeley-haas/  Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on:   -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone -Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com -Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapetrone_x/   Follow The World Class Leaders Show and Stay updated:   -Subscribe to The World Class Leader Show: https://shorturl.at/E9WE7 -Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6 -LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-world-class-leaders-show/ -Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com/podcast/ -Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl -Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ ⭐If you're leading a business or exploring AI adoption, this conversation with Josh Bersin offers valuable insights on how AI can transform organizations, improve efficiency, and drive long-term success in today’s fast-growing market.

    38 min
  5. FEB 5

    225 - Crisis, Layoffs, and Reinvention: What Every CEO Can Learn from Dan Rosensweig

    We’re opening doors to WCL21. The first private and exclusive community for CEOs who want to grow their leadership, pressure-test decisions, and create meaningful connections with other peers in a trusted environment. 👉 Request your invitation: https://andreapetrone.com/wcl21  Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” 👉 Download - https://bit.ly/10-fool-proof-ceo-strategies  __________________________________________ In this episode of The World Class Leaders Show, host Andrea Petrone is joined by Dan Rosensweig, CEO of Chegg Inc.. With a rich career spanning leadership roles at Yahoo, Dan shares his journey of reinvention in the face of challenges at Chegg Inc.. He discusses the importance of transparency, authenticity, and adaptability for CEOs, especially during times of crisis and transformation. Dan also highlights the evolving landscape of education and Chegg’s shift toward skilling, focusing on helping students become more employable in a rapidly changing world.   Dan shares how CEOs must evolve their leadership style in response to changing times, focusing on authenticity, transparency, and the ability to lead through crises. He explains the challenges of leading in the tech industry, particularly when facing disruptions like AI and market shifts. Dan discusses the importance of clear communication with employees and stakeholders, especially during tough decisions like layoffs. He also highlights the need for CEOs to balance personal growth with company transformation, using real-world examples from his own career to illustrate key leadership lessons and strategies. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: - Why transparency and authenticity are crucial for CEOs, especially in times of crisis. - How leaders can evolve their approach to meet the demands of a rapidly changing market. - The importance of clear communication during difficult decisions like layoffs. - Why reinvention and adaptability are key to long-term business success. - How CEOs can balance personal growth with transforming their company’s future.   Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser & Introduction of Dan Rosensweig [02:24] - Why Dan returned as CEO of Chegg during challenging times [06:13] - What reinvention means for CEOs personally and professionally [12:20] - The challenges of leading in tech and balancing work with personal life [14:12] - Dan’s thoughts on leadership evolution and introspective work for CEOs [19:54] - The importance of consistency and clarity in CEO communication [24:06] - The impact of layoffs and transparent communication during difficult decisions [33:05] - The importance of empathy in leadership, especially during tough times [34:18] - Leadership and mental health: The personal impact of being a CEO [38:56] - Dan's vision for Chegg's future and the shift to skilling over homework help Follow Our Guest Dan Rosensweig: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielrosensweig/  - Chegg Inc.: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chegg-inc-/   Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone - Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapetrone_x/ Follow The World Class Leaders Show and Stay updated: - Subscribe to The World Class Leader Show: https://shorturl.at/E9WE7 - Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6 - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-world-class-leaders-show/ - Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com/podcast/ - Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl - Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ ⭐If you're leading a company or navigating change, this conversation with Dan Rosensweig provides valuable lessons on evolving as a CEO, staying authentic, and making tough decisions to drive long-term success in a fast-changing business landscape.

    40 min
  6. JAN 29

    224 - This Is the Moment the Year Starts Running You

    We’re opening doors to WCL21. The first private and exclusive community for CEOs who want to grow their leadership, pressure-test decisions, and create meaningful connections with other peers in a trusted environment. 👉 Request your invitation: https://andreapetrone.com/wcl21  __________________________________________ Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” 👉 Download - https://bit.ly/10-fool-proof-ceo-strategies  __________________________________________ By the end of January, the holiday energy is gone, the pressure is back, and your momentum starts to slip. Decisions slow down, priorities blur, meetings pile up — and the year already feels suspiciously like last year. In this episode, I’ll explain why the “January dip” actually peaks in the last week of the month, the three forces that quietly collapse CEO momentum (over-activation, fragmentation, and leadership reversion), and why so many leaders enter February already tired and reactive. You’ll learn how world-class CEOs reset before February hits: how to redraw your attention map, reestablish a sharper decision rhythm, and design an environment that supports 30,000-feet thinking instead of dragging you back into the weeds — so the next 11 months compound in the right direction instead of the wrong one. I’ll also share more about WCL 21, my new CEO community for fast-growth and mid-size CEOs who want a stronger inner circle, better challenge, and a real space to think.   - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/ - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 155,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

    13 min
  7. JAN 22

    223 - From a Gas Station Job to a Billion-Dollar CEO with Shirin Behzadi

    We’re opening doors to WCL21. The first private and exclusive community for CEOs who want to grow their leadership, pressure-test decisions, and create meaningful connections with other peers in a trusted environment. 👉 Request your invitation: https://andreapetrone.com/wcl21  Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” 👉 Download - https://bit.ly/10-fool-proof-ceo-strategies  __________________________________________ In this episode of The World Class Leaders Show, host Andrea Petrone is joined by Shirin Behzadi, Keynote Speaker, Bestselling Author, Board Director & Investor at Shirin Behzadi, LLC. She is also the author of the book “The Unexpected CEO”. Shirin shares her journey from working behind bulletproof glass at a gas station to becoming a billion-dollar CEO. She opens up about fleeing Iran, building resilience through adversity, and leading a company through major transformation. Shirin discusses the mindset shifts that helped her succeed, how she used empathy in leadership, and why setbacks can be powerful turning points for growth and reinvention. Shirin shares how leaders can turn adversity into a strength by changing their mindset and focusing on what is possible. She explains how her early challenges, from fleeing Iran to recovering from a life-threatening brain tumor, shaped her views on resilience and reinvention. Shirin introduces key lessons from her book, including the power of belief, the value of listening, and the importance of defining a clear vision. She also talks about how empathy helps leaders build stronger teams and make better decisions. Throughout the conversation, she offers honest stories and practical advice for growing as a leader and building a successful business. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: - How to turn adversity into a powerful tool for personal and business growth. - Why mindset and belief play a key role in achieving big goals. - Steps to move from financial insecurity to successful leadership. - How to use empathy to lead teams and make better business decisions. - Why defining your vision and listening to others can drive real transformation.   📘 Read “The Unexpected CEO” - Discover how Shirin Behzadi went from a gas station cashier to leading a billion-dollar company with lessons in resilience, leadership, and growth. 👉 Visit: https://shirinbehzadi.com/book/    Timestamps: [00:00] - Teaser and introduction of Shirin Behzadi [03:00] - Why Shirin wrote The Unexpected CEO and its impact [04:51] - Life before and after exile from Iran and key early lessons [06:26] - How mindset and belief helped shape her future [09:33] - Seeing adversity as a strength and growth opportunity [12:38] - Facing a near-fatal brain tumor and learning resilience [16:19] - Reframing setbacks and growing during the Great Recession [18:38] - From CFO to CEO and leading major business growth [24:02] - Key leadership principles that drove 70% company growth [28:19] - How empathy shaped her leadership and team success [33:58] - Why the book is a roadmap for decision-making and growth [37:01] - Final advice for CEOs facing uncertainty and adversity Follow Our Guest Shirin Behzadi: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shirin-behzadi/  - Website: https://shirinbehzadi.com/  - Shirin Behzadi, LLC: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shirin-behzadi-llc/ Follow our Host Andrea Petrone on: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone - Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreapetrone_x/ Follow The World Class Leaders Show and Stay updated: - Subscribe to The World Class Leader Show: https://shorturl.at/E9WE7 - Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/dMRp6 - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-world-class-leaders-show/ - Website: https://www.andreapetrone.com/podcast/ - Spotify: https://shorturl.at/DSHUl - Apple: https://shorturl.at/JZAmQ ⭐If you're leading through change or facing big challenges, this talk with Shirin Behzadi offers real guidance on turning setbacks into strength, leading with empathy, and building a business with purpose and vision.

    39 min
  8. JAN 15

    222 - The Leadership Space CEOs Have Been Missing

    We’re opening doors to WCL21. The first private and exclusive community for CEOs who want to grow their leadership, pressure-test decisions, and create meaningful connections with other peers in a trusted environment. 👉 Request your invitation: https://andreapetrone.com/wcl21  __________________________________________ Want to establish authority and lead with confidence from Day One as a CEO? Grab your FREE copy of “10 Foolproof Ways New CEOs Establish Authority From Day One” 👉 Download - https://bit.ly/10-fool-proof-ceo-strategies  __________________________________________ January exposes a quiet truth for many CEOs: your calendar is full, but your leadership space is empty. You’re making high-stakes decisions without a room that keeps you clear, sharp, and truly at altitude. In this episode, I unpack why so many CEOs feel isolated—even when surrounded by teams, advisors, and board members—and why traditional CEO groups, conferences, and masterminds rarely give you the depth and challenge you need. You’ll discover what WCL21 is (and what it’s not): not another mastermind, not a content library, not generic group coaching—but a curated leadership environment for serious CEOs who want strategic clarity, sharper identity, and better decisions under pressure. I walk you through what members get inside WCL21—from monthly CEO roundtables and live “CEO Insights” sessions, to AMAs, private dinners, retreats, company visits, and a rhythm that keeps you thinking and operating at altitude all year. Finally, I explain who WCL21 is for (and who it’s not for), why founding membership is open only once, and the three advantages founding members get: significant pricing, real influence on the platform’s DNA, and priority access to the highest-impact experiences. If you don’t want to lead alone in 2026, this is your invitation to step into a different kind of CEO room.   - Like my work? Follow or connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreapetrone/ - Want to become a world-class leader? Join 150,000+ leaders who read my weekly insights here: https://www.andreapetrone.com/newsletter/

    16 min
5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

If you’re a CEO or senior executive, your challenges don’t sound like “I need more leadership tips.” They sound more like: “Why am I still carrying this company on my shoulders?” “Why doesn’t my top team own the strategy the way I do?” “How do I challenge the board or investors without blowing up the relationship?” “How do we build a company that still matters in 10 years, not just hit this year’s numbers?” The World-Class Leaders Show is the CEO leadership podcast built for those questions. Hosted by Andrea Petrone – A Global Influencer, CEO Whisperer, WIley Author, Executive Coach and Speaker – the show goes deep into what it really takes to lead at the top: using power well, doing the identity work of leadership, and making the big decisions that shape the future of your company. Each episode brings real CEO stories and the best business thinkers in the world to the table. You’ll hear how sitting and former CEOs, chairs, and C-suite leaders tackle the biggest business problems of our time – growth, culture, strategy execution, transformation, technology, risk, and talent – and how they stay true to who they are while doing it. You’ll use this podcast to: Get your executive team truly aligned, so you stop re-fighting the same battles in every meeting. Turn strategy into a small set of clear priorities and behaviours your people actually execute. Hold your ground with boards, investors, regulators, and powerful internal stakeholders – and still move the agenda forward. Use your voice and position with more clarity and impact, so people know what you stand for and where the company is going. Find fresh inspiration and language to build a better future for your organization, your people, and the markets you serve – without losing yourself in the role. Featuring leaders from Fortune companies and some of the best thinkers in the world (like Amy Edmondson, Adam Bryant, James Keyes), the show is known for its richness, depth, and straight talk. Ranked in the top 5% of podcasts globally, it’s followed by thousands of CEOs and senior executives who want more than recycled ideas and surface-level conversations. If you care about solving real business problems, shaping the future, and doing the inner work required to lead at the very top, this podcast is for you. Subscribe to The World-Class Leaders Show and upgrade both your leadership – and the future you’re building. For ongoing CEO insights and behind-the-scenes context from each episode, follow Andrea Petrone on LinkedIn.